All India Pickleball Association’s Recognition Battle: The Delhi High Court has reserved its decision in a case about the official recognition of pickleball in India. The case involves the All India Pickleball Association and the Sports Ministry, which gave National Sports Federation status to the Indian Pickleball Association. Justice Sachin Datta heard the matter on Tuesday. A ruling is expected in about four weeks.
Challenge Over Sports Recognition
The All India Pickleball Association, known as AIPA, filed the case. The group is challenging the Sports Ministry’s move to recognize a different group, the Indian Pickleball Association, or IPA, as the national sports body. AIPA says it applied for recognition before the IPA even existed.
Court Hearing Details
Lawyer Hemanth Phalpher, speaking for AIPA, said their side has finished presenting its case.
“We concluded our arguments today. The Hon’ble court has reserved its judgement and we have to give our written submission. We should get a judgement in four week’s time.” – (Hemanth Phalpher told The Bridge)
He also said that the Sports Ministry’s lawyer defended the government’s decision.
“They said it was their policy decision. Per them, they can give any affiliation to whomsoever we want and no one has the right to take the affiliation from them.” – (Hemanth Phalpher)
Government’s View
According to Hemanth Phalpher, the Sports Ministry claimed it has full control over which sports groups to recognize.
“The ministry’s counsel made it clear that it was the ministry’s sole decision as to who they recognise and whom not to. The ministry, via its counsel stated that ‘they have the power to relax and give exemptions as and when we feel like.’” – (Hemanth Phalpher)
The ministry also noted that pickleball still does not have a global body recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
New Group Enters the Case
The case has become more complex with a third group getting involved. The New Indian Pickleball Association, or NIPA, from Bangalore, told the court it had joined AIPA last year. Now it accuses the Indian Pickleball Association of misusing its name and claiming its past events.
“The current IPA is trying to use the credentials of the NIPA which merged with AIPA last year. The IPA is taking credit for the three-four nationals conducted by the NIPA.” – (Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA)
AIPA Remains Hopeful
Arvind Prabhoo also said AIPA is confident about the case.
“We had applied for recognition one month prior to even incorporation of the IPA. I think once we are able to lay the facts to the ministry and the court, I think they will change their decision. We are very hopeful.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
Why This Case Matters
This case could decide which group will officially lead pickleball in India. A final ruling will affect which group can hold national events and receive government support. Players and organizers are now waiting to see what the court decides.
News in Brief: All India Pickleball Association’s Recognition Battle
The Delhi High Court has reserved its decision in the case between the All India Pickleball Association and the Indian Pickleball Association over national recognition. A ruling is expected in four weeks. AIPA is contesting the ministry’s recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association as the official sports body.
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